TWO LEADING timber companies have merged.

North Yorkshire Timber (NYTimber) has merged with Thornbridge, a leading Scottish timber processing and distribution company, supported by investment from Cairngorm Capital Partners LLP.

Established in 1979, North Yorkshire Timber is one of the largest independent timber merchants in North Yorkshire and the North-East. It employs more than 200 staff and last year achieved more than £18m in revenue.

In addition to offering an extensive range of timber, sheet and joinery products, it also operates a specialist roof division, which designs and fabricates roof trusses, spandrel panels, insulated roof cassettes and the NYTRoof Rapid Fit System.

Head quartered in Northallerton, it has a dedicated 120,000sq ft design, manufacturing and distribution centre in Brompton-on-Swale and seven branch outlets.

Customers include large construction companies, house builders, property developers, self-builders and joiners across Yorkshire, the North-East and the UK.

The enlarged group now has an established distribution network across Scotland and the North of England, served by a central manufacturing hub in each region, providing the platform for further growth.

NYTimber’s senior management team will continue to lead the NYTimber business and Nick Kershaw, managing director, will join the group board. David Cook, who founded NYTimber, is leaving the business.

Thornbridge and NYTimber will continue to be headquartered in Grangemouth and Northallerton, respectively, and will continue to trade under their existing brands. The enlarged group will have 15 branches across the UK, generating revenues of more than £50 million and employing more than 360 people.

Mr Kershaw said: “Combining with Thornbridge is the perfect partnership for two businesses, which share a commitment to innovation and the highest standards of customer service. There are great opportunities across the sector and the alignment of our goals, values and vision, offers significant strategic benefits for both organisations.”

Bruce Muirhead, managing director of Thornbridge, said: “We are delighted to see such a well-respected company with significant market presence joining the group, bringing together the leading timber merchants in Scotland and the North-East of England.

“There is a clear fit between the two businesses and the combination creates exciting opportunities. We have much in common in terms of our heritage and commitment to outstanding product quality and customer service. Our product ranges are highly complementary. Together, we will be well equipped to pursue new opportunities for innovation and growth, to the benefit of our customers and employees.”

Thornbridge was established in 1992 and is a direct importer of timber and sheet materials. It has a combined mill and distribution hub in Grangemouth, eight regional branch outlets across Scotland and employs 159 staff.