36 | Sector Focus: Cladding & Shingles
AND INNOVATION INVESTMENT
New technology, range development and a market-wide approach are helping drive cladding business at Premier Forest Products, reports cladding specialist Dave Say.
Above: Premier Forest’s cladding is machined in-house for ‘full quality control and production flexibility’
Over the past year, Premier Forest’s cladding sales at have shown strong and sustained growth.
This is largely due to our growing reputation across multiple sectors of the cladding industry, supported by our ability to service both large-scale developments and smaller, bespoke projects. Production flexibility has been key, enabling Premier Forest to consistently deliver quality solutions and strengthen relationships within diverse market segments.
Significant investment has underpinned this growth, with £1m committed to enhancing cladding production and processing capabilities. Over recent years, the business has introduced advanced machinery from global specialists Weinig, including the Powermat 1500 moulding machine, capable of cutting widths up to 300mm, alongside a Powermat 700. In addition, we have partnered with Extractly’s design and installation team to
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install high-performance dust extraction systems. These provide clean, safe working environments for employees and reflect the company’s commitment to best-in-class manufacturing standards.
Product innovation has also been central success. Recent introductions include Accoya Wood, the highly durable and dimensionally stable modified product made through acetylation, delivering performance beyond many traditional hardwoods. Thermowood ayous has also been added to the range, offering a thermally modified hardwood treated at temperatures exceeding 200°C using a natural, chemical-free process. Another key addition is Linax, a responsibly sourced redwood pine that is pressure treated with a copper-based preservative and vacuum-boiled in linseed oil, providing durability, moisture resistance and long maintenance intervals. In terms of design trends, dark finishes
continue to dominate demand. Black remains especially popular, with the Shou-Sugi-Ban Kuro finish seeing strong sales. At the same time, natural, unfinished options such as homegrown cedar and larch are performing well, driven by increasing demand for low- carbon, locally sourced materials. A significant proportion of the demand for Premier Forest’s cladding comes from residential projects, supported by continued interest in renovation and extension work as high house prices encourage homeowners to improve existing properties rather than move. Alongside residential work, we are also involved in a wide range of other applications. A recent standout project included supply of over 2,000 metres of Canadian larch cladding for a new Starbucks development in Scotland, demonstrating Premier Forests’ adaptability, technical expertise and commitment to sustainable solutions.
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