Timber firm to keep its name after sale

Dec 4 2007 By The Journal

AN historic timber company has sold out to a new owner just one year short of its centenary – but will keep its name to see in its second century in business.

Edmund Robson & Co, based at Tyne Dock in South Shields, has been supplying soft and hardwood timber to its North-East clientele ever since 1908.

But now the company, headed by owner and managing director Mark Hutchinson, has agreed a takeover deal with fast growing North Yorkshire Timber (NYT) from Northallerton.

Following the deal, Edmund Robson’s current workforce of 14 is expected to increase by 25% over the next year as NYT aims to expand its range and sales performance.

Mr Hutchinson said: “The acquisition is very good for all aspects of the business, from being able to offer a wider range of products to our loyal customers in the area and also the stability it brings to our staff. Larger stock holdings by NYT will make us more competitive and better positioned in the marketplace.”

NYT’s move will see a wide expansion of the range of timber products and builders’ merchants products available to construction companies, house builders and customers including self-build enthusiasts.

NYT has made several acquisitions in recent months, and the company now controls eight outlets across the North-East and Yorkshire. The company has a turnover of more than £15m. Before Edmund Robson, recent acquisitions have included builders’ merchant Ward and Naylor of Wingate in County Durham and Sunderland-based Joseph Thompson Timber.

Peter Kershaw, managing director of NYT, said: “This is a regionally strategic move northwards for us, adding to our strength in the North-East, and we anticipate there will be more acquisitions ahead.

“From now on, Edmund Robson will be able to increase its product range to include more builders’ merchants products as well as timber so our customers can get all they need in one place.”

Edmund Robson was founded in 1908 by the grandfather of the present chairman, in Glasshouse Street in the East End of Newcastle, as sawmillers and traders in timber. During the First World War, the firm supplied wood for RAF aircraft manufacture. In the Second World War in 1940 the Newcastle premises were bombed, killing the company’s watchman, and then the business moved to Tyne Dock, continuing as suppliers to the War Office.

In 1951 full normal trading was resumed, expanding in imported softwood and hardwood for joinery and wood mouldings. Experienced timber merchant Mr Hutchinson, formerly chairman and managing director of J T Dove, bought the business in 1998.