Using handcrafted machinery and bespoke production to improve industry wood waste management
Cover: SCANHUGGER
In a world where mass production often leads to compromises in quality and performance, Scanhugger is all about handcrafted machinery, not mass production.
78 Reducing Disposability & Rethinking Logistics
The timber and construction sectors have seen a lot of volatility in recent years with a direct impact on the pallet industry. Terry Whomes, Sales Director at Scott Pallets outlines an industry with a unique place in the supply chain.
82 Strong Trend for Pallet Reuse
The wooden pallet industry is continuing to drive reuse in UK supply chains, according to latest annual market figures from the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation.
86 Durability is Everything
The Wood Protection Association is urging online buyers of pre-treated timber fence posts to make sure the product they are looking at is fit for purpose before they click the ‘buy’ button.
88 Maximising Space, Minimising Compromise
Storage specialists Wickens Engineering explain how bespoke racking and mezzanine systems are helping timber traders to ‘do more with less.’
Industry News
A range of news and views from across the timber trading sector.
90 Smarter Warehouse Design
In today’s competitive timber sector, where every square metre counts, optimising existing storage space is crucial. Material moving specialist Combilift offer some experienced industry advice.
92 From Forest to Forecourt
An innovative new timber framed solar carport kit is creating headlines in France and will soon be available in the UK. Easy to install and promising a low carbon, low-cost option, what is Pivolta?
94 Clean Air Clear Gains
Robbins Timber, an independently owned specialist timber merchant, has benefited from an extraction upgrade with the Ecogate® energysaving system.
96 Understanding Wood Dust Implications
Controlling wood dust is essential, not just because a fire could lead to loss of life but because the law expects employers to know the rules.
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Scanhugger & MCA Engineering: Crafting the Future of UK Wood Waste Management
In a world where mass production often leads to compromises in quality and performance, Scanhugger stands proudly apart. It’s all about handcrafted machinery, not mass production.
Founded in Denmark 40 years ago and built upon true craftsmanship, Scanhugger has maintained a philosophy of tailor-made engineering rather than volume manufacturing. Each machine is custom-built to meet the precise needs of the client – ensuring that every part is selected correctly to ensure the machines work flawlessly in its intended application.
This dedication to bespoke production is what sets Scanhugger above many high-volume manufacturers who produce high amounts of standard machines. With Scanhugger, buyers receive a machine designed and tailored to suit their exact process — not a one-size-fits-all machine rolled off the production line in mass.
Wood waste can be produced in all stages in the manufacturing process. The following wood waste can all be shredded and turned into wood chips:
• Dry wood
• Wet wood
• Used wooden furniture
• Cartons or packaging,
• Large scrap or small scrap wood
• Hardwoods or softwoods
• Solid wood or composites wood
• Hardened wood.
Scanhugger delivers experienced shredding technology to all of them. The size of the wood chip can be customised pending to your needs.
A history rooted in ingenuity
The Scanhugger story began in the 1970s when a Danish sawmill owner sought an efficient way to process his company’s wood waste. His early designs evolved into powerful shredders, chippers, and guillotines that have revolutionised how wood residue could be reused. By the late 1980s, Scanhugger had introduced the first PLC-controlled horizontal shredder, setting a new standard for safety, consistency, and performance. Today, with over 1,500 systems worldwide – including more than 200 machines in the UK – Scanhugger continues to deliver machinery that defines reliability and precision.
The Machinery Range: designed to last Scanhugger’s equipment line-up covers the full wood waste reduction chain:
• Single-Shaft Shredders (HL Series): heavy-duty machines for solid wood, MDF, chipboard, or pallets, featuring the famous Smart Ram feed control and four-sided rotating knives
• Drum Chippers: ideal for shredding long beams and long offcuts from board cuttings
• Hammermills & Guillotines: perfect for refining or inline chopping of offcuts at the source
• Material Handling Systems: conveyors, augers, and overband magnets create a seamless, turnkey flow from waste to finished chip.
Each Scanhugger system is built with reliably engineered components and configurable modules — ensuring a lifespan often measured not in years but in decades. Many UK machines have been running continuously for more than 25 years, still delivering clean, consistent chip quality daily.
MCA engineering: The UK specialists behind Scanhugger In the UK, the name of Scanhugger is represented exclusively by MCA Engineering Group, a company that has rapidly established itself as experts in wood waste management. MCA doesn’t just supply wood machinery – it delivers complete wood waste systems and engineering services. Their projects often integrate:
• The full Scanhugger range (shredders, chippers, conveyors, silos, hammermills, magnets)
• Briquetting presses
• Heating and dust extraction systems
• Full factory installations, electrical wiring installations and machine installations.
• Electrical and Mechanical breakdown repair and servicing across all industries
By supplying and installing the entire turnkey wood waste system, MCA ensures every part of the system works in perfect unison – optimising energy use, improving chip consistency, and maximising return on investment. Customers enjoy a single point of responsibility and a fully synchronised, high-efficiency waste-to-energy solution. MCA Engineering Group have over 20 years of engineering experience, with highly skilled mechanical and electrical engineers, bringing reliable after sales support and experience, which is also backed up with the experience and knowledge of the Danish experts. MCA Engineering Group are experts in installations, services and breakdown repairs across many different sectors of manufacturing.
Longevity built on support
There are now more than 200 Scanhugger installations across the UK, from small furniture workshops to major biomass producers. Some of these machines have operated for more than two decades, supported by MCA’s exceptional after-sales service network. MCA Engineering has grown its team with a new influx of professional engineers and technical sales specialists, providing:
• Nationwide coverage
• On-site maintenance and repairs
• Preventive servicing and diagnostics
• Spare parts supply and retrofit upgrades.
Their local presence means downtime is minimal — and every customer, new or existing, benefits from the assurance that their machine will keep performing year after year.
More at: www.scanhugger.com www.mcaengineeringgroup.co.uk
Email: sales@mcaengineeringgroup.co.uk
Looking Ahead: meet MCA at PWE 2026
MCA Engineering and Scanhugger will showcase machinery and full system concepts at The Professional Woodworking Expo (PWE) 2026, running 17–19 May at the NEC Birmingham. The team will be on hand to discuss new projects, arrange site visits, and demonstrate how bespoke Scanhugger systems can transform wood waste into valuable, usable energy.
Precision. Partnership. Performance. For businesses in woodworking, biomass, recycling, or furniture manufacturing, choosing the right waste system isn’t just about capacity – it’s about reliability, integration, and longevity.
Scanhugger’s handcrafted, tailor-made machines provide the foundation. MCA Engineering’s expertise, service network, and system integration complete the equation. Together, they offer the UK industry a unique proposition: machinery built to perform for decades, supported by people committed to keeping it that way.
Your Advantages
• Low storage and transportation costs –more kg pr. m3
• Low maintenance and energy costs
• Homogeneous wood chips free from metal
• High-quality granulate for sale or use in your own heating plant.
Precision-built for performance –handcrafted Danish engineering
The MCA Engineering team – dedicated to nationwide service and system integration
See Scanhugger and MCA Engineering live at PWE 2026 – NEC Birmingham, 17–19 May
The Great British Timber Roadshow promotes C16 timber
MKM Building Supplies (MKM) has joined forces with James Jones & Sons Ltd to launch a UK-wide campaign championing the use of British-grown C16 timber. Each year MKM supplies more than 150,000 tonnes of timber to tradespeople, developers, and the general public across the UK – that’s the equivalent weight of more than 12,000 double-decker buses.
The ‘Great British Timber’ push puts the spotlight on C16’s strength, value, and sustainabilitybusting myths and giving branch teams and customers the knowhow to make informed choices.
Combining in-branch education, staff training, digital content and promotional activity across MKM’s 135-strong branch network, a roadshow will also tour 20 key MKM locations this autumn, giving customers the chance to learn more about C16 and take part in interactive activities.
James Jones will be hosting drop-in training sessions for branch teams, offering the chance to sharpen skills and stay up to date with the latest information. Covering areas like conversion and span tables, storage best practice, and customer guidance, the sessions are all about strengthening the knowledge teams already have and ensuring confidence when talking about C16.
“At MKM, we’re all about doing what’s right for our customers and for the trade,” says Gareth Nicholls, Head of Timber Category for MKM. “This focus is about cutting through the noise and giving people clear, practical info on C16, so they can pick the right timber for the job. We’re determined to do our bit to back British-grown timber – not just by talking about it, but by giving our branch teams the tools to have those conversations with customers. James Jones is a partner we’ve worked with for
almost 30 years we’re proud to shine a light on the benefits of British timber.”
Traditionally, assumptions have been that imported C24 timber is always the stronger or more suitable choice. For most projects – from loft extensions and floor joists to walls, decking, fencing and garden structures – C16 performs just as well.
All C16 timber supplied by James Jones is grown in the UK, with a manufacturing process that ensures every single part of the tree is used, whether for construction timber, engineered timber products, OSB, or animal bedding. The British forestry industry contributes £3billion to the economy and supports more than 34,000 jobs.
Emma Loftus, James Jones & Sons, added: “Too often, C24 is specified by default — but C16 is suitable for most everyday projects. By choosing C16, tradespeople and
homeowners can support British forestry, protect jobs, and cut down on timber miles. Our fully sustainable approach also means customers know they’re choosing the best option that makes the most of every tree. This is a brilliant campaign with MKM – a merchant determined to do their bit for British timber. We can’t wait to get out on the road, have conversations that keep branches informed or even change perceptions about C16. Ensuring MKM remains the most knowledgeable partner for its customers.”
The tour is ongoing until the end of November 2025 and is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about C16 timber and speak to industry experts.
More at: www.mkm.com/blog/ mkm-news/the-great-britishtimber-roadshow-is-coming-toan-mkm-branch-near-you
International pallet company
PGS Group has launched its first site in the UK, marking the next stage of its expansion across Europe.
The French/Belgian business has opened a facility in the port town of Grays, Essex, where it will process second-hand pallets exclusively for pallet rental business La Palette Rouge (LPR). LPR has been specialising in pallet pooling for more than 30 years and operates exclusively in the
fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail sectors. This site is one of the largest within PGS Group, employing 70 people and processing 2.8m pallets each year. Its location offers direct links to France and provides a gateway to new UK markets.
PGS Group CEO Luc Grauwet (pictured) said: “This new site is a logical next step in our collaboration with LPR. It will give us access to an important market and also to new logistics and
PGS Group enters UK market with strategic Essex warehouse
operational opportunities that strengthen our European position.”
Strategically located within PGS Group’s European network, the Essex site has direct logistics connections to its French base in Picardy. It also opens up new opportunities for timber supply and international partnerships.
PGS currently operates in 13 countries, including France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Portugal, Ukraine, Latvia, Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Morocco. Across more than 50 sites, the company employs 1,000 people, produces 25 million new pallets and recovers 20 million recycled pallets a year. PGS Group boasts its own sawmills and pallet production, delivering sustainability and control over the entire supply chain.
Forestry Roots programme receives record number of applications
Eight young people will kickstart their forestry careers through the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) programme. The UK forestry sector is facing a skills crisis that puts woodlands and the industry itself at risk. With the Government pledging to increasing woodland cover from 14.5% to 16.5% by 2050, there has never been a more important time to create clear pathways for people starting out in the profession.
The RFS received 270 applications, a 40% increase on 2024 figures. Now in its eighth iteration, Forestry Roots has established itself as a vital pipeline for bringing new talent into the sector. Since its beginnings in 2018, 93% of Forestry Roots trainees have progressed into forestry or arboriculture roles or further training.
The programme pairs 18-30-year-olds with employers across England and Wales for a year of paid work experience and training. The programme is funded by The ALA Green Charitable Trust and supported by the trainees’ employers and The Forestry Commission. Placements are provided by RFS members.
One candidate was Leah Winstanley (pictured), that has joined Harewood Estate as
Estate Forestry Assistant. Leah is particularly interested in working within woodlands for their carbon sequestration potential and is excited to work within the estate’s 800 acres of ancient woodlands. “I applied to Forestry Roots as they offer support to those who have faced barriers trying to gain employment within the sector,” Leah said. “Forestry is an essential industry for mitigating the effects of climate change and I am glad the RFS is making it more accessible to those who cannot afford training courses or who are unable to spend time volunteering before employment.”
Others include Samuel Birch and Jack Priestly, joining Chatsworth House as Trainee Forestry Workers. At Hill Holt Wood, Joe Cole has taken on the role of Forestry Trainee, Jesse Atkinson begins her traineeship at Maydencroft. Gethin Thomas has joined Bodnant Estate as Trainee Estate Forester, Lois Raines has taken on the role of Trainee Assistant Woodland Manager and Sawyer at The Hillyfield and Tom Bryant has joined City of Trees as Trainee Urban Forester. Having lived in Sheffield for university and now living in Greater Manchester, Tom realised just how much of a difference trees make to urban
Covering 16,000sq m and running 24/7, the Grays site is set for further growth, with plans to expand capacity to five million pallets annually.
The facility was originally established two years ago by LPR.
The PGS team will now focus on collecting, identifying and sorting pallets for reuse and export, with those requiring repair treated to the ISPM15 standard. Since Brexit, this international standard has been mandatory for all wooden packaging exported from the UK to Europe. PGS will continue and expand the existing production line after winning a tender from LPR, with both companies investing jointly in the venture.
More at: www.pgsgroup.com www.lpr.eu
centres, he is passionate about seeing more trees integrated into local urban areas. “This traineeship is the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into something practical,” said Tom. “The best part is knowing I’ll be helping the environment close to home and hopefully making the world just that little bit better.”
More at: https://rfs.org.uk/learning/ forestry-roots
New factsheet heralds West Fraser carbon negative landmark
West Fraser has published a new factsheet, proudly announcing the achievement that its UK operations are now officially counted as carbon negative, showing the industry that this is the way forward as a responsible producer of timber panel products.
The four-page publication begins by declaring: “Since our founding 70 years ago, West Fraser has recognised its responsibility to the environment and society, while delivering solid financial performance.
Guided by our values and leveraging strategic partnerships, we aim to integrate sustainability across all aspects of our business.”
The document stresses that all its UK products have been certified as being net carbon negative – meaning that they lock up more CO2e than is emitted in making them. For the environmentally conscious specifier or builder using West Fraser’s boards, they can be assured that the company’s approach to sustainability is: “rooted in science, guided by global standards and inspired by a vision of a future where forests, products and innovation work together to address climate change.”
This assertion is backed up by the fact that West Fraser sequesters 1.1million tonnes of CO2e in its European operations each year, while its OSB products have earned an A+ rating in the BRE Green Guide – the highest possible rating. Other aspects of its progress include how three-quarters of the group’s use of renewable energy globally is based on biomass while 4.5% comes from other renewables such as solar. And across Europe, 100% of the grid-purchased electricity utilised is from guaranteed renewable generation: including wind, hydro-power and solar.
forest areas are harvested annually, which allows for longer-term and therefore more sustainable harvesting cycles.
In terms of actual forestry management, 72.4 million seedlings are planted in Canada, plus over two million in the US. Impressively, the timber expert has achieved a 22% reduction in SCOPE 1 and 2 emissions – along with a 13% reduction in SCOPE 3. Interestingly, less than 1% of its managed
The factsheet is strikingly presented with full colour photography, while offering a powerful argument to convince the most ardent of environmentalists that West Fraser goes above and beyond in achieving a carbon negative, yet positive future.
You can download the factsheet at: http://bit.ly/4hv3rv3
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Grown in Britain Achieves Category A Status
This year’s Grown in Britain Week (#GiBWeek25) culminated in a landmark announcement at the National Forestry Conference that will transform opportunities for homegrown timber across the construction sector.
Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh confirmed Grown in Britain (GiB) has been accepted as meeting Category A status under the Government’s Timber Procurement Policy— placing the UK certification scheme on equal footing with FSC and PEFC for the first time.
The decision followed a thorough and rigorous assessment process in which GiB, which is the only scheme to verify provenance, demonstrated Category A compliance, with no issues raised during the extensive review. This removes longstanding barriers to the use of certified homegrown timber in government
procurement and major construction projects, directly supporting the Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap priorities including strengthening domestic supply chains, creating rural green jobs, and reducing carbon emissions.
“We’re delighted to hear from Minister Creagh the unequivocal acceptance of Grown in Britain for Category A,” said Dougal Driver, CEO of GiB. “Our robust certification now has official verification at the highest level. This will transform the fortunes of current and potential certificate holders.”
Industry welcomes decision
The announcement has been welcomed across the sector as a critical step in levelling the playing field for UK timber. Justyna Wilkinson, Associate Architect at Stride Treglown, said: “This removes any barriers to using GiB certified
timber in the construction industry and adds more support for the Government’s TIC Roadmap, meaning more confidence in using British timber materials across both sustainably focused and wider commercial projects.”
Guy Phillips, CEO at Heritage Highland Woodworks, added: “This recognition comes at a pivotal moment. It enables architects, material specifiers and others to request UK timber in their construction projects, which drives demand and ultimately leads to better outcomes for UK forestry and homegrown timber.”
The Category A designation ensures GiB certificate holders now have full access to public sector projects while supporting sustainable forest management across the UK’s 1.3 million hectares of certified woodland.
More at: www.growninbritain.org
Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh MP and Dougal Driver, GiB CEO
Boosting domestic tree production essential for Government climate and nature targets
The Government’s climate change and biodiversity targets will not be met without greater support for domestic tree production, according to a new report produced by the Woodland Trust, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The Strong Roots report, published 14 October 2025, suggests that the UK government’s Net Zero Strategy, which requires 40,000 hectares of trees to be planted annually by 2030, is likely to be held back by barriers to domestic tree production, such as the lack of a designated action plan and a shortage of skilled workers.
In 2023/24, Britain planted over 20,000 hectares of new woodland, the highest in 35 years, yet meeting future planting targets will require strategic support for domestic tree production, which is “the backbone
of reaching targets to increase tree cover” according to the report. Another issue highlighted by the report is the low number of fruit, nut and amenity trees being produced domestically in Britain. These trees play fundamental roles in agroforestry, as well as in city streets and gardens.
Increasing domestic tree production will improve biosecurity by reducing the need for imports, which can bring with them an increased risk of tree pests and disease. Managing pests and disease is estimated to cost the UK economy £6.1million a year. As well as reducing the bill for biosecurity, increasing domestic tree production has untapped benefits for the UK economy, according to the report. In 2023, Britain imported £280 million-worth of trees and shrubs.
The report stresses the essential role trees play in sustaining biodiversity,
mitigating climate change and enhancing wellbeing, and makes recommendations to the Government on how to increase availability of homegrown trees across England, Scotland and Wales. Recommendations from the report include an action plan for British tree production, increased support for British tree growers and more diversity in trees being produced within the UK.
Rebecca Gosling, Lead Policy Advocate at the Woodland Trust said: “All three British governments have ambitious annual targets to increase tree cover. England’s Environmental Improvement Plan sets a legally binding goal of expanding tree cover from 14.5% to 16.5% by 2050. This level of tree planting, which is vital in the fight against climate change, simply won’t be possible unless there is coordinated support for the British tree production industry. Support is especially critical to maintain
and boost British production of rootstock and standard trees. We want to see the Government address this with an action plan for British tree production.”
Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science and Collections, added: “The benefits of investing in domestic tree production in the UK are clear, both economically and in building climate resilience. By growing more trees locally, we can better support national efforts - including those of the nation’s gardeners - to adapt to and mitigate climate change while also creating skilled jobs and boosting innovation across the horticultural and forestry sectors. This report shows that targeted investment, research and innovation are essential to unlocking the full potential of British tree production.”
Russwood acquires SiooX
SiooX, the Swedish company renowned for its patented silicate-based wood protection technology, has been acquired by Russwood, the family owned, leading UK supplier of high-quality and sustainable timber products.
Based in Newtonmore, Scotland, with more than 30 years of experience, Russwood is a
well-established provider in the timber industry, specialising in cladding, decking, flooring, and fixing solutions.
The acquisition strengthens SiooX’s future prospects and customers and partners can look forward to even higher quality and service. With its long-standing technical expertise and product development capabilities in the timber sector,
Russwood – together with the new management team in Gothenburg – is well positioned to take SiooX forward into its next phase. SiooX develops wood protection products based on globally patented silicate technology. The products provide timber with a natural silvergrey patina while offering long-lasting protection against weather, moisture, and biological impact.
“We have collaborated with SiooX for many years and have seen first-hand the strength and potential of their technology,” said Michael Russell, Joint Managing Director, Russwood.
“The unique combination of sustainability, aesthetics, and long-term protection makes SiooX stand out in the market. This acquisition is therefore a natural step forward for us, and we look forward to working with the new management team to further develop both the products and the markets.”
Russwood also emphasises its confidence in the new management team appointed in February 2025, which will continue to lead the company into the next stage of development and growth.
More at: www.russwood.co.uk
SCM unveils exclusive new edgebanding solutions
On 27-28 November, SCM’s Thiene (VI) premises will host the highly anticipated ‘Batch One Days’ event. This exclusive gathering is dedicated to exploring the latest developments in edgebanding for panels and doors, offering industry professionals an in-depth look at emerging trends and solutions.
Attendees will have the rare opportunity to preview next-generation edgebanding technologies, meticulously developed for leading players in the woodworking sector. The event is designed to highlight solutions that prioritise the core objectives of quality, reliability, efficiency, and customisation. These innovations are tailored to meet the requirements of the most demanding production environments, ensuring companies can maintain a competitive edge while responding to varied and complex customer needs.
“The solutions we will present, together with those unveiled last year, demonstrate how SCM is further strengthening its focus on ‘batch one’ production,” explains Marco Pacini, SCM Business Manager for Edgebanding. “Thanks to the advanced technology of our solutions, targeted R&D investments, and the expertise of our team, SCM confirms itself as the go-to
business partner for companies that make high flexibility and production efficiency their main strengths.”
The new edgebanding cells guarantee top productivity thanks to robotics and automatic buffering and panel handling systems. The Maestro active watch supervisor, together with the new WinMes MES software, ensures real-time control of the entire production process. The extremely high technological level guarantees unmatched machining precision and quality on all types of panels, including the most
delicate and complex materials. In particular, the dedicated door production cell has been enriched with new finishing units for profile changes, scoring units for cutting, trimming units for corner processing, and new sectors for radius profiles. These innovations provide maximum operational flexibility, ensuring the highest efficiency and quality standards both when working with different profile sizes and when machining straight or shaped doors.
More at: www.scmgroup.com
Engineered wood growth offsets modest decline in UK timber imports
UK timber and panel product imports fell slightly in the first half of 2025, as softwood, hardwood and MDF volumes declined, according to the latest Timber Development UK statistics. However, strong growth in engineered wood and plywood imports highlight changing supply dynamics and sustained demand for highvalue timber products.
UK timber and panel product imports fell by 2.9% in the first half of 2025 to 4.76 million m³. A weaker second quarter offset a modest rise in Q1 volumes, with total imports down from 4.9 million m³ in the same period last year.
Solid wood imports dropped by 3.8%, and panel products by 1.2%. Softwood imports fell 4%, driven mainly by a 10% reduction in shipments from Sweden – down 145,000m³ year-on-year. Ireland and Germany also sent less softwood, although increased volumes from Latvia and Finland partly offset this, with the two countries’ combined share up 60,000m³. Tropical hardwoods also weakened, reversing early-year gains to end H1 down 6%, while MDF imports slumped 29% compared with 2024. Despite the overall decline, engineered wood products (EWPs), plywood and particleboard recorded strong performances. Engineered wood imports rose 14%, reflecting the material’s increasing use in sustainable building applications. Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) shipments climbed almost 10%, supported by Finnish and Polish producers, who now supply over 90% of UK demand. CLT imports increased by 20%, driven largely by the Czech Republic and Austria,
while glulam imports rose 12%, helped by lower prices and steady demand from Germany, Austria and Estonia. I-beam imports, the largest EWP category, grew 18%, led by Poland and Sweden.
Plywood also strengthened, with hardwood plywood up 11% and softwood plywood up 12.6% year-on-year. Brazil remained the UK’s dominant softwood plywood supplier, accounting for nearly three-quarters of imports. China expanded its hardwood plywood shipments by 58,000m³, with Malaysia also posting gains, while imports from Indonesia, Latvia and several European countries declined.
Hardwood imports dipped just under 2% overall, though performance varied by supplier. The United States, France and Latvia all increased volumes – up a combined 18% or 15,000m³ – with Latvia’s lower-cost temperate hardwood exports jumping 78%. U.S. supply also grew by 14%. Other countries saw steep declines: Estonia’s shipments fell 14%, Romania’s 19%, and the Republic of Congo’s 10%. Tropical hardwood trade showed similar divergence, with Cameroon (+6%) and Malaysia (+28%) offsetting falls from West African suppliers. Mixed hardwood volumes rose 15%, supported by growing imports of poplar, alder and aspen from the U.S. and Latvia.
MDF volumes dropped sharply to 273,000m³ in H1 2025 – a 29% fall in volume and 31% in value compared with the previous year. Oriented strand board (OSB) remained stable, down only 0.4%, while particleboard increased 1.9%, boosted by shipments from Germany, Spain and China. France retained its position as a leading supplier, although Belgium and Portugal saw reductions.
Despite higher import volumes, the category’s overall value fell 10% due to weaker prices.
Softwood prices rose steadily through H1 2025, reaching an average £291 per m³ – up 10.8% year-on-year. Redwoods climbed 26%, while whitewood prices dropped 5%. Hardwood prices were largely stable, with temperate species up 7% and tropical species down 5%. Chinese hardwood plywood imports helped push prices down 8.2% to an average £386 per m³, while softwood plywood prices fluctuated, ending 2.4% higher than last year.
Timber demand remains tied to housebuilding, which continues to show longterm weakness despite a short-term rise in Q1 2025 housing starts – up 23% year-on-year following a 25% fall in 2024. GDP grew 1.2% in Q2, interest rates eased to 4.0% in August, and inflation stood at 3.6% in June, with Sterling weaker against the Euro and Dollar.
Nick Boulton, Head of Technical and Trade Policy at TDUK, said: “After a relatively steady start to 2025, timber import volumes softened in the second quarter, resulting in a modest decline compared to last year. We’re seeing a mixed picture across product categories: softwood, hardwood and MDF volumes have eased back, while engineered wood products and other panel products are enjoying strong growth, reflecting ongoing market shifts. Rising softwood prices and subdued levels of housebuilding add complexity, but the strong performance of engineered wood underlines its growing role in UK construction.”
More at: https://timberdevelopment.uk
HUBTEX Wins 2025 Archie Award
The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) has honoured HUBTEX this year with the Archie Award for Operational Efficiency for the HUBTEX PhoeniX electric multidirectional sideloader.
At a manufacturer of plastics and polymer solutions, the truck delivered higher efficiency, ergonomic improvements and a more sustainable specification. For more than 30 years, the Award has recognised companies, teams and individuals who advance materials handling through innovative solutions.
The PhoeniX electric multi-directional sideloader transports profile racks up to 6m long with ease in aisles just 2.02m wide, significantly improving the overall flow of goods. Equipped with a sensor-based Aisle Entry Assist and the HUBTEX Load Manager, the truck achieved a marked efficiency gain and substantial cost savings for the customer. Without increasing headcount, more than 1,600 working hours per year were recovered while reducing strain on the workforce.
In day-to-day operation, the sensor-based Aisle Entry Assist enables semi-automated, precise and rapid entry into narrow racking aisles. By eliminating time-consuming manoeuvring, up to ten seconds can be saved per movement, which consistently boosts throughput and overall material flow – with fewer staff.
The integrated Load Manager further improves accuracy when handling long and heavy loads. Thanks to pre-programmed heights and storage locations, the truck automatically travels to the required rack level at the push of a button, saving valuable seconds otherwise spent on fine adjustment during storage and retrieval. It also virtually eliminates damage to the vehicle, load and racking. This level of semi-automation, combined with the truck’s intuitive operation, delivers another benefit: onboarding time for new employees drops from three months to just two
Image 1
The HUBTEX team at the Archie Awards 2025 ceremony.
L-R: Dean Gallhager (Technical Manager), Steffan Krassnig (Country Manager), Paul McNally (Managing Director Hubtex UK), Kali Singh (Business Development Manager – North), Marlen Möller (Marketing Manager) and John Radcliffe (Business Development Manager – Midlands)
Image 2
The HUBTEX PhoeniX electric multidirectional sideloader
weeks – an 85% reduction. For the customer, that means a faster ROI on new team members, seamless shift handovers and continuous operational readiness.
The PhoeniX also proved itself on sustainability. Modern lithium-ion technology and the switch to electric power steering cut total energy consumption in operation by 20%. The batteries feature intelligent intermediate charging, enabling a charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This eliminates time-consuming battery changes and ensures continuous operation. At the same time, the customer reclaimed valuable space previously reserved for spare battery storage – space that can now be used more productively.
“This award is a special endorsement for us,” said Michael Röbig, Head of Product Management at HUBTEX. “With this application example, we demonstrate that our vehicles not only make processes faster, safer and more sustainable, but also deliver a measurable and flexible competitive edge.”
More at: www.hubtex.com
Bauer Media Outdoor and Essex County Council launch groundbreaking timber bus shelters
Bauer Media Outdoor has unveiled a revolutionary new range of bus shelters –the Milestone – in partnership with Essex County Council as part of their Basildon Greener Route launch. This marks the most significant innovation in UK bus shelter design in decades.
The Milestone range represents a new benchmark in public transport design. It has been developed through extensive research into the needs of modern bus users, with a focus on accessibility, safety, comfort, and sustainability. The shelters are designed and manufactured in the UK, using locally sourced, sustainable materials, contributing to a lowcarbon supply chain.
Key features include the extensive use of timber, with structural parts of the shelter made from engineered timber for the first time ever and responsibly sourced from hand-selected trees in Scotland including FSC-certified Douglas fir wood. They have been designed to be welcoming, with a nature-inspired design with more greenery and biodiversity enhancements, including Living Roofs and Planters with native
plant species and wildflowers. Milestone has c70% lower CO2e than a 3-bay legacy bus shelter
A total of 18 Milestone shelters will be installed along Whitmore Way in Basildon, forming part of the Essex County Council’s new Greener Route initiative, which also includes the introduction of electric buses by First Bus. This shared investment project supports one of Essex’s most frequent urban and interurban public transport corridors.
Will Ramage, Managing Director at Bauer Media Outdoor, said: “Milestone is the range for change, and this is a groundbreaking moment for the public transport experience. Milestone reimagines what a humble bus shelter can be – more sustainable, more comfortable, and more user-focused than ever before. We are thrilled to partner with Essex County Council to bring this pioneering public infrastructure to Basildon, hoping to encourage more bus use and significantly improve passenger experience.”
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “These incredible new shelters are a huge step forward for
Basildon and for Essex. Not only do they offer an improved experience for passengers, but they are also more accessible and better for the environment. By investing in greener infrastructure and working with partners like Bauer Media Outdoor, we’re helping to create a safer, greener and healthier transport network for everyone in Essex.”
The Milestone range was shaped by insights from 3,200 bus users from the Transport Focus panel, including disabled people, parents, carers, and older adults. Bauer Media Outdoor conducted quantitative and qualitative research as well as product testing and validation in partnership with organisations including the disability equality charity Scope and Thomas Pocklington Trust.
Bauer Media Outdoor worked with Innovate UK to identify a consortium involving BE-ST, Edinburgh Napier University, Ecosystems and Highland Heritage Woodworks, along with Vertical Meadow, to develop the new timber design and supply chain, tailored for the needs of bus shelters and council partners.
More at: www.bauermedia.com
PCA workshop a key stepping stone for new recruits
The Property Care Association (PCA) is set to host a workshop designed to support those starting a career in timber and damp. Taking place ahead of the national trade body’s Property Care Conference at Old Trafford, Manchester, the ‘Early Careers Network: You, your company and your career’ workshop will give newer employees a chance to discuss their priorities, support needs and ambitions.
The workshop will empower employees in the early stages of their careers, offering networking opportunities with their peers, as well as two expert speakers and two discussion sessions.
Formed more than 90 years ago, the PCA is the leading representative organisation for the UK’s building protection industry. PCA Chief Executive Sarah Garry said: “This workshop is an opportunity for employers to support their newer recruits to network with colleagues across their sector and with others within the PCA, as well as addressing key topics designed to boost their confidence and help define their priorities
As
UK Ltd. Simon joined the team on 6 October 2025. Simon brings with him over five years of experience from within the timber industry, most recently serving as Commercial Director at Metsä Wood UK.
from the outset. There are lots of opportunities to progress in this industry, so it’s vital that we work with our members to provide support for the people who are joining this rewarding sector.”
The ‘Early Careers Network: You, your company and your career’ workshop is from 3.30pm on Wednesday 26 November at Manchester United FC’s Old Trafford Stadium.
The workshop takes place the day prior to PCA’s Property Care Conference, on Thursday 27 November, which will see three separate plenaries running throughout the day with the Property Care Awards Dinner in the evening.
While the workshop is separate to the conference, Sarah Garry will outline ways in which the conference can benefit those attending and how to make the most of the experience to boost the beginning of their career.
Sarah added: “Latest research suggests that the construction industry needs 50,000 new entrants each year to keep up with demand. While the aim of the workshop is to help people
embarking on their careers to understand the routes of progression and opportunities available, it is also a chance for us to gain a deeper understanding of the support we can offer to early careers employees, to attract them to and retain them in, their respective industries.”
The agenda for the careers event can be found at: www.property-care.org/media/ zkygsglz/early-careers-network-flyer.pdf
Simon Paz appointed new Moelven UK Managing Director
“I’m really excited to be joining Moelven,” said Simon Paz. “A company with values that are closely aligned to my own, with both a strong commitment to sustainability and significant growth momentum. With my experience in turning strategy into action and driving real results, I look forward to contributing to this journey. It’s inspiring to see the competence and energy in the team – and I’m truly excited to become a part of it.”
In addition to his timber industry expertise, Paz also has a strong background in other sectors, having held senior roles at Coca-Cola Enterprises and Kettle Foods. This diverse experience will bring valuable new perspectives to Moelven’s operations and strategic development.
Moelven has recently commissioned major investments in its production facilities, particularly at Moelven Valåsen and Moelven Edanesågen. These upgrades are now operational and enable significantly larger volumes of planed structural timber for export,
including to the UK market. These investments are central to Moelven’s growth strategy in the UK, where the objective is to broaden the product portfolio and achieve a significant increase in sales.
As Paz steps into the role of Managing Director, Pehr Eriksson will become Sales Director, with a strong focus on expanding Moelven’s presence in the UK. Pehr’s strong customer focus and deep market understanding will be key as Moelven continues to grow.
Pehr Eriksson said: “As a UK team we are very excited about the investments becoming fully operational. They will bring real benefits to our customers through increased capacity, improved efficiency and an opportunity to provide better solutions. I want to express a very warm welcome to Mr Paz as he joins the Moelven family, particularly the UK team. We have an exciting journey ahead.”
part of Moelven’s strategic and ambitious growth initiative in the UK they have welcomed Simon Paz as Managing Director of Moelven
TRA Roofscape Design Awards 2026 open for entries
The Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) has announced the return of the Roofscape Design Awards 2026, celebrating the very best in trussed rafter design across the UK construction industry.
Launching earlier than in previous years, the awards recognise excellence, innovation, and technical skill in the use of trussed rafters, showcasing the designers, engineers, and teams who bring complex roof structures to life. From major housing developments and creative refurbishments to technically demanding commercial builds, the awards shine a light on the projects and professionals shaping the future of timber engineering.
The 2026 Roofscape Design Awards will recognise outstanding achievement across six categories, reflecting the diverse skills and creativity of the trussed rafter industry. The three project-based awards honour excellence in residential, commercial, and refurbishment
design, celebrating everything from new-build housing developments to innovative conversions and complex non-residential projects.
Alongside these, three individual categories will spotlight the people driving progress within the industry: the Innovation Champion of the Year, recognising leadership in sustainability, technology, or operational improvement; the Safety Champion of the Year, celebrating exceptional commitment to safe working practices; and the Career Development Champion of the Year, acknowledging dedication to learning, growth, and professional excellence.
Nick Boulton, Chief Executive of the TRA, said: “We’ve brought the awards forward this year to give our winners more time in the spotlight and to showcase their achievements across the industry. “The judges always enjoy seeing the range of creative and technically impressive projects our members deliver. If you’ve been involved in a great project, this
is your chance to celebrate that success. I’d encourage all TRA members to take part and to encourage your colleagues to submit entries as well.”
Entries may be based on trussed rafters, metal web beams or combinations of the two and should include a clear project or nominee description, supporting visuals, plus a compelling narrative that highlights technical achievement, design quality, or professional growth. The award categories are sponsored, with individual prizes presented to each winner. Submissions are invited across multiple categories, and members are encouraged to enter any exceptional work completed in 2025. The TRA looks forward to celebrating its members’ achievements and showcasing the strength, creativity, and skill that define the trussed rafter industry.
More at: www.tra.org.uk/news-events/ roofscape-design-awards
Reducing Disposability & Rethinking Logistics
The timber and construction sectors have seen a lot of volatility in recent years with a direct impact on the pallet industry. Terry Whomes, Sales Director at Scott Pallets outlines an industry with a unique place in the supply chain.
Price fluctuations, material shortages, shifting housebuilding targets, evolving legislation, and increasing sustainability pressures have all contributed to uncertainty with the pallet industry. As a result, it now finds itself at a critical point of transformation. At Scott Pallets, the UK’s leading timber pallet solutions provider, we’ve taken these challenges as an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and drive more sustainable value through the entire supply chain.
Rising timber costs are continuing to impact the pallet industry, creating pressure for both manufacturers and customers. Across Europe, high log prices have pushed up raw material costs, while UK manufacturers face the challenge of keeping their products competitively priced. For Scott Pallets, the key to managing this tension lies in being part of BSW Group, the UK’s biggest integrated timber and forestry business, and Binderholz, Europe’s largest timber group. This integrated position allows us to stay close to the markets, understand pricing dynamics at their source, ensuring we are well placed to advise customers, providing stability and guidance in an uncertain market.
While we expect the market to pick up as we end this year and enter the next, the broader message is that pallets cannot continue to be treated as disposable commodities. They are
precision-engineered equipment made from a renewable resource that takes decades to grow. Recognising the true value of timber, and the care and time that go into producing it, must remain central to the industry’s long-term sustainability.
Supply chain optimisation
As part of the UK’s largest integrated forestry and timber business, we are uniquely positioned to optimise the supply chain and have taken significant steps to reduce waste and improve operations. This year we’ve implemented a series of logistics improvements to improve the service
“Across Europe, high log prices have pushed up raw material costs, while UK manufacturers face the challenge of keeping their products competitively priced. For Scott Pallets, the key to managing this tension lies in being part of BSW Group, the UK’s biggest integrated timber and forestry business, and Binderholz, Europe’s largest timber group.”
we offer and cut emissions. Working closely with our sister companies BSW Timber and Tilhill Forestry, we’ve introduced smarter fleet management systems that reduce empty miles across our network.
A key development has been the reloading of vehicles, turning what used to be one-way journeys into two-way efficiencies. Vehicles that have completed Scott Pallet deliveries now often return loaded with BSW Timber sawn products. Over 300 deliveries have already been backloaded and the results speak for themselves with lower fuel use, and a reduced carbon footprint.
These initiatives have been supported by close collaboration with key haulage partners such as H&R Gray and Johnsons Haulage. We’ve also invested in a walking floor vehicle at Ellesmere Port to streamline the collection of on-site wood waste. These vehicles deliver pallets and return with scrap wood destined for biomass use – a circular system developed with Tilhill Forestry, which supplies the material to Shotton Mill in Deeside.
Pressboard pallets
Beyond logistics, we’re continuing to evolve our product and service offer. We’ve introduced pressboard pallets, extending our range with a sustainable solution created from sawdust and reprocessed, recycled wood chips, otherwise destined for landfill. And our recovery service offers a national network of processing centres, making it easy for customers to recycle their pallets.
Recycling and reuse have always been central to our ethos, but they are fast becoming defining forces across the entire industry. The Pallet LOOP, part of the BSW Group, is a prime example of how the right initiative can reshape behaviours. By offering a financial incentive to businesses, and designing pallets for multiple lifecycles, LOOP motivates recovery and reuse instead of discarding them. This approach is particularly relevant to construction, which still accounts for roughly 25% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. Historically, vast numbers of pallets have been treated as waste at the end of projects. By giving pallets a value, and a route back into use, we can dramatically reduce waste and keep valuable timber resources in circulation for longer.
The demands being placed on pallet suppliers have never been greater. The construction industry, as one of the largest users of pallets, is constantly pushing for cost reductions while simultaneously demanding improvements in sustainability and safety. These competing pressures have, in some cases, led to the de-specification of pallets, as some manufacturers have sought to cut costs by reducing material or design standards. This approach can create issues on-site and we’ve heard more reports of underperforming pallets causing health and safety concerns. Encouragingly, many construction sites are now moving back towards more robust pallet specifications, like the ones we offer, to ensure worker safety and the reliable movement of goods.
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Historically, vast numbers of pallets have been treated as waste at the end of projects, but are increasingly being brought back into use, to reduce waste and keep valuable timber resources in circulation
The future
A continuing opportunity lies in shifting the perception of pallets from disposable to valuable. The mindset is changing – pallet recovery rates are rising year on year – but there is still more to do. From a wider industry perspective, the key drivers of timber cost, quality, and supply will continue to evolve. Looking ahead to 2026, we expect greater collaboration between manufacturers, logistics providers, recyclers and customers as industries move towards a truly circular economy. The companies that succeed will be those that treat pallets not as disposable packaging, but as valuable, reusable assets that underpin responsible, efficient supply chains. Our mission remains simple: to lead by example. From our logistics improvements and recycling initiatives to our partnerships across BSW Group, we’re demonstrating that sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. Timber is a renewable, responsible material –but it only when we manage it wisely and use it for as long as possible. As cost pressures, regulatory demands, and environmental expectations continue to rise, the future of the pallet industry will continue to depend on innovation and collaboration.
Strong Trend for Pallet Reuse
The wooden pallet industry is continuing to drive reuse in UK supply chains, according to latest annual market figures from the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON).
According to the 2024 UK Wood Pallets & Packaging Market, an independent study commissioned jointly by TIMCON and the Forestry Commission, pallet reuse is continuing its upward trend.
The latest figures were presented to delegates at TIMCON’s AGM at the Westminster Hotel in London, by Guy Watt of John Clegg Consulting, who carried out the study. They show that, during 2024, an estimated 53.9 million wooden pallets were inspected and repaired in the UK market, close to the 54.1 million estimate the previous year. New pallet manufacture rose 11% from 41.7 million in 2023 to 46.3 million in 2024.
The survey found that respondents consider the sourcing and retention of good-quality staff to be the most important factor that will impact on their business in the year ahead, the same as in the previous year’s study. This was followed by increasing costs and inflation, competitors undercutting prices, general economic uncertainty and difficulties in the availability and price of timber.
Now in its tenth year, the annual market report is based on a survey of TIMCON members, who are estimated to account for between 7080%of the UK market overall.
TIMCON President John Dye said: “It’s encouraging to see another year of strong reuse, which is a well-established and major part of businesses’ strategies in supply chains from the FMCG and drinks sectors to pharmaceuticals and construction. Reuse of these essential
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Pallet repair and reuse rates are growing year on year
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TIMCON’s AGM at the Westminster Hotel, London
assets makes companies more efficient and at a time when sustainability-focused legislation is rolling out in the UK, the EU, and beyond, it boosts their environmental performance, too.
“This is the tenth year TIMCON has jointly commissioned this study alongside the Forestry Commission, giving our members invaluable insights into how their industry is developing and providing vital data to policymakers on how reuse has continued to evolve in this business. Wood continues to be the material of choice for pallets and packaging because of its continuous renewability, flexibility, and recyclability – not to mention its durability, relative economy, and all-round sustainability.”
TIMCON’s AGM also featured a presentation by Thierry Moubax, CEO and co-founder of AI Compass, which detailed the ways in which AI will transform the pallet and packaging sector. This includes automating repetitive administrative and operational
tasks, including pallet design, boosting engagement with customers and potential customers, providing real-time insights into areas such as performance, competitors, and logistics and inmoving new business areas and models.
“Look at the repetitive things you don’t like doing,” said Thierry Moubax. “But this is not only about optimising, now you can think about transforming your business. Today, everything is possible – it’s only limited by your imagination.”
The meeting also featured an update on developments in the Irish timber market, including Ireland’s Build with Wood campaign, by Clodagh Kealy, Director of Sales & Supply Chain joint, Coillte Forest and an overview of PEFC’s growing certification options by John Kirkby, Executive Director of PEFC UK. It was followed by a dinner for all delegates at the Institute of Directors on Pall Mall.
More at: www.timcon.org
UK pallet and packaging market overview
Ongoing high pressure on the market for timber is affecting the wooden packaging and pallet sector in the UK and Europe. High costs for raw materials are continuing to impact sawmill production, reducing the availability of pallet wood – however, product prices remain low in the face of slack demand. The expected Christmas uplift in demand for pallets hadn’t materialised by
mid-October and the pallet pooling sector was quieter than usual across most markets.
Meanwhile, US trade tariffs, stubbornly high prices of energy and other inputs, and geopolitical upheaval – including the Ukraine war and ongoing tensions in the Middle East - continues to create uncertainty and affect confidence in the market.
UK supply chains including construction
Add Value to Your Timber with Unosand
Achieve a premium for your timber products with the Unosand Multi 300S, 400S and 600S sanding and structuring machines.
By combining wire and abrasive nylon brushes, these machines remove the softer summer growth to accentuate the natural grain, delivering authentic aged and weathered finishes. These robust machines can process components up to 300mm high — perfect for structuring beams, cladding, flooring, decking and mouldings. Designed with sawmill efficiency in mind, they feature motorised height adjustment, variable feed speeds and one to six adaptable heads to deliver precise results and enhance timber quality.
A range of optional features allow for customisation. Horizontal belts to replicate band saw marks, oscillation creates a textured finish, side sanding heads enable three-sided processing, and a vacuum bed can handle small components. For added versatility, add inverters or variable speed control, which are perfect for coating preparation, de-nibbing, edge rounding or polishing.
continue to drive reuse, according to the latest independent market report commissioned by TIMCON and the Forestry Commission. TIMCON has continued to engage with the government to progress proposals for a UK reuse incentive initiative for wooden pallets and packaging. Meanwhile, the industry awaits the definitive announcement on the postponement of EUDR rules.
UK Made Sanding Brushes – Delivered Fast!
• New and used brush sanding and structuring machinery.
• Sanding and de-nibbing brushes made in the UK for all makes of machinery.
• Custom made hubs and discs.
• Wire and abrasive nylon brushes from stock.
Unosand stock a range of wire and abrasive nylon brushes to achieve different effects in Thermowood, cedar, larch, Accoya, oak and pine, even MDF can be structured. For the last 20 years Unosand have specialised in providing brush sanding and structuring solutions to the woodworking industry, helping you make the most of your timber.
Call us to discuss your project or visit www.unosand.com to explore our range.
A Smarter Cut
Offering pure performance and efficiency for the most advanced lengthwise crosscutting, the SOLID CUT PF 300 cross-cut saw from Weinig boosts both quality and productivity.
Customers are won and retained by offering a service that your competitors don’t. An expanded range of services should include an efficient cut-to-length option for your customers. This not only saves them time and effort on-site but also streamline production and delivery for you as the provider.
This solution is readily available from Weinig with the SOLID CUT PF 300 cross-cut saw. It is safe, efficient, productive, simple to use and accurate within a well-engineered package. The heart of the saw is a travelling pusher mounted on a precision extrusion, driven by a steel reinforced belt connected to an encoder for accurate measurement. The sawblade is housed under the table and completely enclosed by an interlocked safety hood. A powerful pneumatic cylinder controls the cutting stroke, allowing even large sections of hardwood to be cut with ease.
Operation of the saw could not be simpler. Using the large touch screen interface, the operator enters the quantity of each length required. The board is placed on the infeed table, and the pusher collects it, driving it forward towards the cutting position.
During this process, the board length is measured, and an almost instant calculation is done to optimise the yield and minimise waste. Without any interruption, the board is automatically positioned for cutting. Variable length trim cuts and numerous other parameters can be freely programmed via the 10.1” HMI screen.
Productivity can be immense from such an economically priced machine, thanks to its ability to load multiple boards per cycle. The full cutting envelope of 300mm x 100mm can be utilised to efficiently handle large orders of cut to length material just as efficiently as it handles a single board. Flexibility is key, as the machine can also be used very easily to cut a single length in manual mode, even interrupting
an ongoing cutting list. Simply place a board on the machine, using the forward button move it to the cutting position, take a trim cut to define the position, then type in the length required. Push start and the machine will safely deliver one accurate length that meets your customer’s exact needs. The software on the machine also counts every piece it cuts, so cutting too many pieces just doesn’t happen. Simply enter the required quantity, and the machine will deliver exactly that. In addition, it will give you clear statistics on the processed material, including accurate yield data in different formats. This valuable feature allows you to compare actual waste levels against your costings so ensure that your activity is genuinely adding to your margin.
The Weinig Group has a wide range of cross-cut saws suitable for virtually all applications whether processing bulk softwood or challenging hardwood slabs. Solutions are also available for processing long length material such as glulam and I-joists. For more information contact Weinig UK on: 01235 557600 or email: sales.uk@weinig.com
Durability is Everything
The Wood Protection Association (WPA) is urging online buyers of pre-treated timber fence posts to make sure the product they are looking at is fit for purpose before they click the ‘buy’ button.
Research by the WPA has highlighted a growing trend for offering fence posts that are only treated for external, out-ofground-contact applications and not in compliance with British Standards – in which a higher level of treatment is essential for wood that is embedded in the ground. Online sellers claim such fence posts are ‘UC3 treated’, are ‘durable’ – meaning resistant to fungal decay – and that they will give a ‘long-term performance’, but without exception, they fail to qualify what these statements mean.
“This is grossly misleading and will only result in these posts rotting and failing after just a few years,” says WPA Chairman Steve Young, who emphasises that the actions of a few selling under-treated wood have negative consequences for the many involved in timber supply and merchanting.
“While a business selling a wood product incorrectly treated for its application may profit from those sales, it is a short-sighted strategy and will only result in a loss of trust in the performance of treated wood.” He adds that the knockon effect of this will inevitably reduce demand for every business with a commercial interest in producing and selling treated wood in the UK.
At a time when the sustainability, carbon-capture and climatechange benefits should be giving treated wood sales a boost – because while wood locks up carbon, treated wood locks it up for longer – selling products that are compliant with the British Standard specifications for preservative pre-treated wood BS 8417 is the only way to grow demand.
Research by the WPA also highlights that knowledge about how to specify and buy wood products correctly treated and fit for the purpose required is low. “Helping improve seller and buyer knowledge is a key reason behind the WPA recently joining the BMF,’ says Young. “We look forward to working with the BMF and Timber Forum team to bring this about.”
Largest ever UK field trial shows treated wood significantly outperforms untreated
Interim results of the largest independent assessment of British treated softwood ever carried out in the UK demonstrate that treated wood for ground contact applications such as fencing can be relied on to provide a long service life.
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One of WTT (Wood Treatment Technology)’s most recent installations at Valbo Trä in Sweden, a fully automated plant with an annual capacity of 240,000m3, fully integrated with the customers ERP system and only operated by an operator and a forklift driver.
The 10-year UK field trial of hundreds of wooden fence posts and test stakes was commissioned by the WPA and carried out by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) at two test sites: at BRE Garston, Watford, and Birnie Wood, Elgin, in the north of Scotland. It shows a substantial improvement in durability and resistance to decay when compared to untreated timber products.
The majority of the untreated wood posts at the sites have now completely failed due to fungal decay, with data suggesting an average service life of less than five years. The study also notably shows that posts made from larch are failing faster than any other species. “These results clearly show that untreated wood of any kind is not fit for purpose for ground contact applications,” said WPA Director Neil Ryan. “Only wood that has been correctly treated
gives the performance required to ensure long-term success. The study also dispels the myth that larch is durable and can be used in this way without a preservative treatment.”
After 10 years, the preservative-treated posts in the trial are performing well, particularly incised spruce. Some opening of incisions and elevated moisture content has been noted, but without deterioration of the wood.
Across all species and treatment types in the trial, there have been only isolated failures of treated posts. “This is not entirely unexpected after 10 years. These are clearly outliers on the bell curve of preservative performance, with others in the same species and preservative group rated zero –meaning they still have no visible decay present at all,” said Ryan.
WPA Chairman Steve Young added: “This landmark independent study demonstrates clearly that preservative
treated wood works outdoors. It confirms that correctly treated wood is the only reliable choice for ground contact applications. At a time when businesses’ sustainability obligations are increasing, correct treatment allows them to use wood – the only endlessly renewable construction material – for the maximum possible time.”
The WPA set up the field trial in 2015 in partnership with BRE and a group of industry sponsors, with the goal of helping develop industry standards, including BS 8417 and the WPA Code of Practice – to support WPA Benchmark quality approval schemes for treated wood, and to build market confidence in preservative-treated British softwood species. After the completion of the initial 10-year term, the project has been extended for a further five years.
More at: www.thewpa.org.uk
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CJT Timber Sourcing’s machine round 90mm incised 15-year warranty posts and 87 x 38 x 3.6 rail
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The mechanical incising of wood facilitates preservative penetration of wood and can help achieve the quality requirements for Use Class 4 treatments under the WPA Benchmark scheme
New members endorse WPA strategy on quality treated wood
Wood treating plant manufacturer WTT (Wood Treatment Technology) and treated wood producer CJT Timber Sourcing recently join the WPA.
“The WTT team believe firmly that the only way to futureproof demand for treated wood is to ensure compliance with national standards and to collaborate with organisations committed to achieving this.” says WTT Managing Director, Jakob Jakobsen. “WTT’s core mission is to support the correct treatment of wood, which we do by continuously monitoring developments from chemical suppliers and ensuring that the design and operation of our equipment is always compatible with the latest formulations, processes and the requirements of third-party quality assurance schemes such as the WPA Benchmark.”
CJT Timber Sourcing has operations in Wales and Scotland and Managing Director Ben Parton says joining the WPA is part of the company’s strategy to reaffirm our commitment as a premium-
quality supplier of preservative pre-treated wood: “By becoming a WPA member we align CJT Timber Sourcing with high performance, long-lasting wood treatment in compliance with WPA and British Standards specifications. We believe the only way to give our customers confidence in the quality of our treatment claims for the range of products we produce, is to have them independently assessed and certificated using a WPA-approved preservative under the WPA Benchmark quality scheme.”
Ben added that membership of WPA has additional commercial benefits by giving CJT access to the latest research, bespoke guidance, and technical expertise saying: “We are really proud to be a part of the WPA community which we feel will allow us to showcase across a wider audience why it’s important to buy correctly treated wood products made from homegrown softwoods especially for agricultural fencing.”
Maximising Space, Minimising Compromise
Storage specialists Wickens Engineering explain how bespoke racking and mezzanine systems are helping timber traders to ‘do more with less.’
In today’s timber and builders’ merchant sector, storage is no longer just about finding room for stock, it’s about optimising the way materials move through a facility, how effectively long-length products are stored, and how much value is squeezed out of every square metre of floor space. At Wickens Engineering, we’ve seen first-hand how tailored storage systems deliver genuine operational advantages for timber-focused businesses across the UK.
A recurring challenge for timber merchants is the safe, efficient handling of long, heavy or irregular stock – lengths of timber, sheet materials, mouldings and profiles. Generic shelving simply doesn’t cut it. The solution lies in a proper system – for example, cantilever racking designed and built with the right arm lengths, column spacing and load ratings. Such systems not only make access safer and faster, but transform the way materials are stored, minimising wasted aisle space and enabling clear stock visibility.
One recent case involved a merchant who needed to expand storage without relocating. Through the installation of a bespoke cantilever racking configuration, we reorganised the long-length zone to provide more capacity, easier access and improved workflow. The result – significantly enhanced utilisation of existing space, and a layout that supported faster picking and loading operations. This kind of transformation isn’t simply about more racking – it’s about smarter racking.
But storage doesn’t stop at ground level. Many timber businesses are now turning to mezzanine floors to capture underused height in their warehouses. At Wickens Engineering, we’ve worked on multiple mezzanine installations that allow merchants to keep operating in their existing buildings while adding large volumes of new floor area, ideal for pallets of sheet goods, oversized boxes, ancillary products or finishedgoods storage. These systems unlock value in an asset most businesses already possess, their overhead space.
One timber-sector project demonstrated the impact perfectly – by installing a carefully engineered mezzanine floor, the operator gained additional storage without major upheaval or relocation, supporting future growth and enabling a more logical layout of timber, sheet and ancillary goods. More than just an extra area, the system was designed for integration, ensuring that the racking feeding the mezzanine was
appropriately configured, access routes maintained, and loading workflows optimised. The message for timber traders is clear –growth doesn’t always require a new building. With the right partner and a bespoke system, you can future proof your storage, improve safety, boost throughput and make better use of your existing footprint. At Wickens Engineering, we bring not just manufacturing capability but design experience. From consultancy through design, manufacture and installation of cantilever racking and mezzanine floors, we partner with timber merchants to deliver systems that are built to last and built to perform. If you’re looking to unlock value in your storage space, now may be the time to think bespoke. More at: www.wickens.co.uk
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Many timber businesses are now turning to mezzanine floors to capture underused height in their warehouses
• Increasing storage capacity on site.
• Allowing access to selec�ve stock and enabling stock rota�on.
• Reducing product damage from storage on the floor.
• Decreasing material handling �me and improving site efficiency.
Smarter Warehouse Design
In today’s competitive timber sector, where every square metre counts, optimising existing storage space is crucial. Material moving specialist Combilift offer some experienced industry advice.
Expanding or relocating can be both costly and disruptive, but maximising storage in your current facility offers a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solution—unlocking new potential without the need for major investment or downtime. The ‘improving, not moving’ approach is a practical strategy: it ensures that you facility is optimised, whilst also avoiding any bottlenecks in the material flow, bringing numerous advantages when it comes to costs, efficiency and sustainability.
For timber suppliers and merchants handling long, heavy, or awkward loads, such as beams or panels, the right warehouse design is not simply an operational consideration but a strategic advantage. A smart layout maximises storage, improves flow, and enables faster, safer handling that keeps loads moving, orders fulfilled, and customers satisfied. Poor layout design, however, leads to wasted space, damaged products, and higher operating costs that restrict productivity.
With nearly three decades of experience, Irish material handling specialist Combilift combines its versatile range of multidirectional forklifts with intelligent warehouse design, helping businesses do more with less space – safely, efficiently, and profitably.
Designing for space, efficiency, and growth
Every timber operation is unique, but the challenge is always the same: how to store more, move faster, and work safer within the same footprint. Handling long loads with traditional forklifts leaves vast amounts of space unused. Wide aisles and inefficient flow patterns waste valuable floor space that could otherwise be used for storage. By choosing the right material handling equipment, timber businesses can unlock up to 50% more storage capacity in their current premises, without expanding their building.
A few years after Irish manufacturer Farrell Furniture was established, Farrell’s Joint CEO, Brendan Farrell, began exploring ways to enhance storage efficiency and improve access to a wide range of products within their existing warehouse. By implementing Combilift’s
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Every timber operation is unique, but the challenge is always the same: how to store more, move faster, and work safer within the same footprint
C-Series trucks, they significantly increased storage capacity and improved stock access within their existing facility — without expansion.
“Our warehouse is the same size it was when we got our first Combilift,” says Brendan Farrell. “But over the last few years, we have quadrupled in growth. This is testimony to how Combilift’s original layouts future-proofed us. Due to the lift height of 6m of our C4000 model we have been able to go up not out. The truck’s ability to travel sideways as well as block stack, plus its inherent stability means that even our largest loads – 3.6m x 2m for example – can be moved around safely and easily accommodated in the space available.”
Warehousing
Manoeuvrability: the key to space optimisation
Handling long timber loads can be difficult with standard forklifts, which need wide aisles to manoeuvre safely. Combilift’s multidirectional models, such as the C-Series, overcome this challenge by travelling sideways, allowing operators to move long and bulky materials easily through narrow aisles and confined spaces. This sideways travel eliminates the need for overhead carrying and allows smooth navigation through doorways and narrow aisles, significantly reducing the risk of collisions, injuries or product damage. This, in turn, allows for much better and cost-effective use of all available space and results in an all-round safer working environment. Further safety features are exceptional operator visibility, an integrated platform that provides a stable base for resting loads during transportation, and a low centre of gravity, allowing for a low-to-the-ground movement of the loads.
Free warehouse planning
Combilift’s expertise extends beyond manufacturing forklifts and as CEO and co-founder, Martin McVicar explains: “We have always viewed
Combilift as more than just a forklift manufacturer. Space is one of the most valuable assets our customers possess, and if our trucks can help them improve storage density, everyone benefits.”
By reducing aisle widths and utilising vertical space, companies can achieve up to 50% more capacity while improving workflow and safety. This consultative approach ensures every project delivers measurable gains in storage efficiency, productivity, and safety. Combilift has a team of experienced design engineers who can provide a complimentary warehouse and yard design service, creating customised layouts that maximise storage space based on the capabilities of Combilift’s equipment.
As Brendan Farrell explains: “For any company experiencing growth, I’d recommend talking to Combilift first before they even think of moving or building new facilities – they could potentially save themselves a lot of money and hassle. Getting help from the experts to improve the performance of our warehouse was an absolute eye-opener.” More at: www.combilift.com
From Forest to Forecourt
An innovative new solar carport kit –made from Douglas fir glulam – is creating headlines in France and will soon be available in the UK. Easy to install and promising a low carbon, low-cost
option, what is Pivolta?
Developed by leading French sawmiller PIVETEAUBOIS, Pivolta has been created to meet the growing demand for solar infrastructure and to help businesses comply with France’s ambitious renewable-energy regulations. Designed for quick installation and low environmental impact, it promises to be a stylish, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for car park owners looking to embrace renewables.
Under the French ‘Article 40 of Law No 2023-175’, all outdoor car parks larger than 1,500sq m must install solar canopies covering at least half their surface area. This forms part of the French Government’s renewable energy drive and from when the regulation was introduced in 2023, owners will have three to five years to comply, depending on the size of their car park. It is estimated that when all those subject to the law are compliant, this could generate up to 11 gigawatts of power. With many countries increasingly concerned with energy security, plus a worldwide trend of adopting more renewable energy and hitting ESG performance targets, Pivolta has an international market relevance and appeal.
The modular carport frames are made from Douglas fir glulam manufactured at PIVETEAUBOIS’ state-of-the-art plant in SainteFlorence. Following extensive planting since the mid-twentieth century, France is now Europe’s biggest producer of Douglas fir, with the species accounting for 420,000ha of the country’s forest area and is being used widely for structural mass timber elements.
The Douglas fir glulam is Use Class 3.2 and pressure-treated in a choice of brown or grey and is regarded as more stylish in design than steel-framed counterparts with the aesthetics better suited to integrate with the local environment. Also, the robustness of the Douglas fir glulam means that the dimensions of the beams and columns can be refined and slender, further minimising ground disturbance and giving more parking space and room for people to get in and out of their cars.
Pivolta kits come in monopitch, double monopitch and dual-pitch valley roof variants, to suit different carpark sizes and configurations. This gives the option of four standard kit roof areas from 45sq m to 97.5sq m and
The modular carport frames are made from Douglas fir glulam and offer a flexible and scalable kit for a sustainable PV structure
multiple kits can be connected. Their power output varies accordingly, with single monopitch carports having installation power of 10kWp per module and a double monopitch around 20kWp. The strength to weight ratio is superior to similar steel frames, as they are lighter and require less invasive, concrete block foundations. For harsher climates, reinforced versions are also available, with all models designed to meet Eurocode standards.
“These really fit into any kind of sustainable delivery strategy,” says Elisabeth Piveteau-Boley, Director, UK & Ireland for PIVETEAUBOIS.
“Depending on the design variant and size, the timber kits store 2,676kg to 6,049kg of biogenic carbon, which is highly significant. Douglas fir glulam is a highly popular timber material and is slightly more durable than spruce. It also has some very rich tones that make it look very striking. The standardised design helps make them very price competitive and they are compatible with all sorts of different rooftop photovoltaic panels making integration straightforward.”
Each kit comprises a base module, an extension module, lateral bracing module and extension pieces module. All hot-dip galvanised steel bracketry is included, with black powder-coated joist hangers and screws as standard, but with stainless steel hangers available on request. The standard Pivolta kits are suited to most environments, but reinforced versions are available for areas prone to especially harsh weather. Installation instructions are standard across the range of sizes and roof variants.
“It is a very flexible and scalable kit,” says Elisabeth. “The kits can be combined for larger installations such as supermarket or airport car parks. The warm timber aesthetic underscores the environmental credentials of any specifier and turns a common and overlooked space into a visible statement of sustainability. These have been grabbing attention in France and will soon be available here in the UK. It is an exciting new addition to the PIVETEAUBOIS range that offers a cost-effective way to adopt renewable energy, use more timber and redefine sustainability within the car parking sector.”
More at: www.piveteaubois.com/en
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Healthy Working Environments
Clean Air Clear Gains
Bristol-based Robbins Timber is an independently owned specialist timber merchant with a history stretching back over 140 years and has benefited from an extraction upgrade with the Ecogate® energy-saving system.
Robbins Timber distributes timber products and sheet materials, as well as engineered and modified products and as well as holding a vast range of timber profiles in stock, the company provides a fully bespoke and flexible machining service – fulfilling orders for one length or sheet, right through to full loads of timber products.
Robbins distributes both nationally and internationally to a wide customer base ranging from DIY enthusiasts to major contractors and merchants. The business also specialises in the supply of timber and ply products to the marine industry.
The factory’s extraction system had been upgraded and optimised several years ago with the retrofit installation of an Ecogate® energysaving system. Fast forward to 2025 and with the old filter unit having now reached the end of its useful life, it was time for a change. “At the time, although we decided against replacing the filter unit, installing the Ecogate® system was certainly a game changer,” says Director Ben Bagnall. “As well as enjoying the promised savings on our electricity bills, the noise levels emanating from the huge fan were also significantly reduced, making the shop floor a much more agreeable space to work in.”
Ben contacted Ian Rayner, Sales Manager for Extractly Ltd and Ecogate in the UK. Having been involved with the earlier Ecogate® installation, Ian was no stranger to the system, saying: “The filter unit and main fan were still in a serviceable condition when we originally fitted the Ecogate® system, although the main fan had become something of a ‘sledgehammer-to-crack-a-nut’ once extraction was being controlled and optimised with Ecogate® extraction-on-demand technology.”
As a replacement, Extractly installed a new Aagaard ATEX chain filter, with the capacity to clean up to 34,000 cubic metres of dust laden air per hour. Previously, dust and wood waste was drawn from the factory, by a powerful 75kW fan, then blown through the filter unit. “Placing the main fan on the ‘dirty side’ of the filter unit generates significant noise as waste passes through it and the waste can potentially reduce the life expectancy
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The Explosion Isolation Valve prevents the effects of a pressure wave and flames traveling through the ductwork and into the factory
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Waste material collected in the base of the filter unit is discharged pressurefree via the rotary valve
of a fan,” said Ian Rayner. The new system has a 55kW fan unit which, when compared with the old one, delivers increased extraction volume and pressure, as well as saving up to 20kW per hour when running at full speed.
Extractly have installed the new fan on the ‘clean side’ of the filter unit – drawing waste material directly from the factory into the filter unit. Now handling just clean air, fan life is extended, maintenance requirements are reduced, and the additional inclusion of a discharge silencer further reduces noise levels. Filtered waste collects in the base of
the Aagaard 3+1 filter unit, and a drag chain continually gathers it to the rotary valve where it’s discharged, pressure-free, to a 15kW transport fan and automatic diverter that controls delivery of waste to either one of Robbins’ two waste containers.
Internally, Extractly installed a new control panel and re-wired the original Ecogate® GreenBox-12 system to control the new extraction system. All the Ecogate® motorised dampers and system wiring, and most of the internal ducting, with some judicious tidying up in places, was left unchanged. One important new addition, however, was the installation of an ‘Explosion Isolation Valve’ in the main duct. In the event of an explosion in the filter unit, the valve prevents the effects of a pressure wave and flames traveling through the ductwork and into the factory. “Extractly never compromises on safety and to comply with ATEX regulations we always advise the inclusion of these valves,” adds Ian Rayner.
As Ben Bagnall concludes: “From quotation through to commissioning, we were very impressed with the professional way in which Extractly’s team went about the job, and we are now enjoying an even quieter factory and finally realising the maximum energy savings from our Ecogate® installation.”
More at: www.extractly.co.uk
Healthy Working Environments
The new 34,000m3 /hr capacity Aagaard filter unit vents clean air to atmosphere, via the silencer, and (inset photo) 15kW fan transports dust to waste containers via the 2-way diverter
“From quotation through to commissioning, we were very impressed with the professional way in which Extractly’s team went about the job, and we are now enjoying an even quieter factory and finally realising the maximum energy savings from our Ecogate® installation.”
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Newly installed Extractly control panel alongside previously installed Ecogate greenBOX-12 controller and PowerMaster carriable speed drive unit
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Understanding Wood Dust Implications
‘Think flash fires’ is the message for some manufacturers from commercial insurance broker, McCarron Coates. Director Luigi Maggio helps highlight the fire risk wood dust can pose within manufacturing.
Flash fires are not as frequently discussed as flash floods but can be equally devastating. They occur when highly combustible wood dust, comprising fine wood particles, are suspended in the air in sufficient concentration and become an easily ignited cloud, potentially set alight by a nearby ignition source. In the worst cases, an explosion can occur.
It is not only wood dust clouds that are latent dangers issue but also stacks of contained wood dust, within which pressure can build. Even a small layer of wood dust left laying on a surface can be a fire hazard. The finer the dust, the higher the explosion risk. Particles under 200 microns are usually explosive, as is a mixture in which as little as 10% of the dust measures under 80 microns. Verifying whether dust is a danger can be achieved through a dust explosion test.
Controlling wood dust is essential, not just because a fire could lead to loss of life but because the law expects employers to be on top of this. The UK legal framework is headed by the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, which places a duty of care on the employer. They must take all practicable measures to ensure the health and safety of employees. On top of this there are the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations of 2002 and Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR), 2002. Under this legislation, any manufacturer generating wood dust in their workplace should have procedures in place to assess the risk of explosion and prevent and mitigate it.
McCarron Coates suggests manufacturers refer to the Hierarchy of Controls, of which the very minimum control is protecting workers through use of PPE equipment. “Whilst the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is nowhere near as efficient as eliminating wood dust at source, it will offer some protection,” says Luigi Maggio. “The proviso to this is that protection is dependent on having the right particulate filters within disposable masks, ensuring correct face-fitting of disposable and half masks, and using only special RPE equipment for those with facial hair, for whom certain RPE is not suitable.”
Above this minimum level of protection in the Hierarchy of Controls lies administrative controls, which means changing the way people act around wood dust. For instance, wood dust should not be vacuumed using a standard vacuum, as that could prompt an explosion. Instead, it needs to be picked up by ATEX industrial safety vacuums, with the selection of the right equipment for the individual workplace being a key part of the risk management.
Removing wood dust at source is essential. It is advisable to use LEV systems to capture and extract wood dust-ladened air. Such equipment can operate around processes such as cutting, sanding and shaping wood – all of which generate significant amounts of wood dust.
Catching wood dust before it has a chance to circulate and then taking it away to be treated and filtered in the optimal way is the preferred option. “The LEV equipment again needs to be fit for the facility in which it will operate, with correct product selection being part of the risk management process,” says Luigi Maggio. “Under COSHH regulations, it also needs to be inspected and tested every 14 months. Training staff in all aspects of wood dust control is vital for employee health and for the mitigation of the flash fire risk. Employees need to understand the correct cleaning methods to use, how to wear RPE correctly and the emergency evacuation procedures, should a fire break out. A flash fire can occur out of seemingly nowhere and take hold rapidly.
“Manufacturers must ensure they do all they can to prevent this and abide by the various regulations relevant to wood dust. Over and above that, they should keep a keen eye on their sums insured and work with an expert broker, who understands their sector, to make sure that, should the worst occur and a fire break out, they are not exposed to financial loss by being underinsured.”
More at: visit www.mccarroncoates.com
Whatever your LEV demands Extractly will tick all the boxes
When it comes to dust and fume extraction, Extractly delivers the complete package...
From the wide choice of filter types and technologies available, we source the most appropriate and cost-efficient system to meet your requirements and, from initial consultation and design, all the way through to installation and commissioning, we will be with you at every stage of the process.
The wealth of practical experience within the company, together with an extensive range of proven products, allows Extractly to offer extraction systems which are individually tailored to customers’ specific needs.
Whether you need a small mobile extractor, or a high-capacity modular filter unit, an energy-efficient shredder or briquette press, or perhaps a modern spray booth or enclosure… from simply adapting ductwork to suit a new machine installation, to commissioning a complete waste-to-energy system, Extractly’s experienced engineers deliver the optimum solution.
Extractly is the Master UK Distributor and Installer of the Ecogate® energy-saving system, and an Authorised Dealer and Installer of Nordfab Quick-Fit® ductwork
Dust & Fume Filtration
Shredding & Briquetting
Energy-Saving Technology
Control Panel Engineering
Spray Booths, Enclosures and Curing Ovens
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At Buckland Timber, we're often asked why clients choose glulam over steel, or whether we can offer a viable glulam alternative to a steel design. While sustainability is undoubtedly growing in importance, I'd be lying if I said carbon footprint is the primary reason clients come to us. Aesthetics and the creation of inspiring working environments remain the biggest factors. There's something about exposed timber that transforms a space – it's not just about how it looks, but how it makes people feel. The wellbeing benefits of natural materials in our built environment are increasingly recognised, and that's often what initially tips the scales towards glulam, that and the ‘statement structure’ factor.
A cost comparison
There’s a persistent perception that glulam is significantly more expensive than steel, which isn’t always the case. Taking a simple beam with no fabrication, a typical 6m beam – a 254 x 146 x 37 UB steel section costs £200-£300 based on recent pricing, while an equivalent 180 x 360 glulam beam sits in the £250-£300 range. The upfront material costs are quite similar.
For fabricated structures, the picture is a bit different – a portal frame shed in steel typically costs around £125 per square metre. Our most budget-friendly glulam options come in at £150-£200 per square metre. Yes, it is more, but the margin’s far narrower than many assume. Where glulam gains ground over steel is in the ‘hidden’ costs. Steel beams typically require additional site work – boarding over, adding joists, and crucially, fire protection coatings. Glulam has its own inherent fire rating and is easier to cut and work with on-site, plus if you opt for locally grown timber, you cut down on transportation costs. These factors can narrow or even reverse any initial price gap.
The policy landscape
Of course, even with cost certainty, broader policy signals can shape whether clients feel confident choosing timber over steel, which leads me to the Timber in Construction Roadmap. It is welcome and well-intentioned,
Glulam vs Steel
As we approach 2026, the conversation around glulam versus steel in construction continues to evolve. Robin Nicholson, Managing Director at Buckland Timber, outlines some of the drivers to timber adoption.
promoting timber for its carbon storage benefits, linking it to the 1.5 million homes target, and more encouraging timber in offsite construction.
However, I remain pragmatic about its short-term impact. The Roadmap operates through policies, standards and guidance rather than mandates or direct financial grants or subsidies for timber construction projects. There are no penalties for choosing steel or masonry over timber, and no financial disincentives for high-carbon material choices. Without meaningful regulatory teeth, I don't expect dramatic market shifts in 2026. The direction of travel is positive, but the pace of change will be gradual.
cost-competitive with steel, particularly when you factor in the whole-life picture. Whether a client's primary motivation is aesthetic, financial, or environmental – or a combination of all three – we aim to provide the confidence to make informed material choices.
When comparing glulam to steel, it’s important to avoid all-or-nothing thinking. Most of our glulam structures incorporate steel fixings, connections, and complementary elements. Successful projects blend glulam, CLT, steel, and other materials where each makes sense. The key is keeping an open mind to the possibilities and engaging with your design team and contractors early to create the best possible project.
“Most of our glulam structures incorporate steel fixings, connections, and complementary elements. Successful projects blend glulam, CLT, steel, and other materials where each makes sense. The key is keeping an open mind to the possibilities and engaging with your design team and contractors early to create the best possible project.”
There are also questions about the long-term supply chain. Some foresters are concerned that the emphasis on biodiversity may have swung too far, potentially undermining the future industry by not planting enough of the species we need for construction – i.e. spruce and Douglas fir. If we want to genuinely increase our use of homegrown timber, we need to ensure we're planting for that future now.
Making glulam work
Glulam isn't new – there was plenty used in the 1980s – but it's experiencing a resurgence alongside other engineered timbers. Increasingly, we’ve seen projects adopt a combination of several materials working together to achieve their goals – our role is to help them with our knowledge and expertise to turn that idea into a reality. That means providing clear, early-stage information on feasibility, cost, and performance. It means helping clients understand glulam isn't just for special-case projects but can be
The shift towards greater timber use is already underway. Yes, 2026 won't see a revolution, but we're excited to see real momentum building: more confident clients, increasingly competitive costs, maturing homegrown supply chains, and a growing body of successful projects proving what's possible. As the policy environment evolves to properly value low-carbon materials, glulam is moving from an alternative option to a genuine mainstream choice.
It still surprises me how often people don't realise glulam is a viable alternative to steel or know where to start with it. Of course, I am going to say this, but if you have any questions, we’re always happy to run through the feasibility and costings at the early stages before you commit to a full design. The more these conversations happen, the more options become available to everyone and that can only strengthen the whole industry.
www.bucklandtimber.co.uk
CRAFTED OVER TIME
Where others may rush, we prefer to savour time, to refine, to hone, to perfect. When others standardise, we master individuality, providing a truly bespoke service. And where others may stand still, we innovate, invest, and modernise. Every George Barnsdale timber window and door is meticulously made only for you – and has been since 1884. George Barnsdale. Don’t compromise. Customise.
Individuality worth waiting for since 1884.
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For 25 years, Combilift has been revolutionising the way companies handle and store goods. We help companies of all sizes and from every industry to maximise the capacity, safety and efficiency of their warehouse and storage facilities.
Our pioneering product range of multidirectional, articulated and pedestrian forklifts, straddle carriers and container loaders allows you to manoeuvre long loads safely, reduce aisle widths and increase the amount of space available for storage.
CONTACT US TODAY
To find out how Combilift can help you unlock every inch of your storage space.
