6 | UK News
Clifford Jones Timber sold out of administration in pre-pack agreement
owed monies by Clifford Jones Timber are unhappy about the turn of events. In a statement from the administrators seen by TTJ, Clifford Jones Timber was said to have faced a number of difficulties including the loss of a major customer and an onerous contract which caused significant problems for the timber manufacturing business.
Above: Clifford Jones Timber
Clifford Jones Timber Ltd’s business operations have been sold out of administration in a pre-packaged sale, saving 48 jobs at the Ruthin-based sawmiller.
CJT Timber Sourcing Ltd acquired the business operations and that of Clifford Jones subsidiary Hunter Wilson Ltd, which had also been in administration. CJT Timber Sourcing, which lists former Clifford Jones Timber chairman Richard Jones as its director, acquired the business operations of Clifford Jones Timber on December 10. According to Companies House, Clifford Jones Timber went into administration on the same day. TTJ understands that several suppliers
“Both businesses were adversely affected by the Covid pandemic with higher costs and lower demand,” it stated. “Hunter Wilson Ltd experienced a catastrophic fire in 2022 causing major losses in production and sales.
This was followed by a fire at the Clifford Jones Ruthin site, the insurance policy which they took out was found to be undervalued and due to Covid-19, the insurance companies had removed business interruption insurance, so the company was unable to receive the full cost of the insurance claim. This resulted in both businesses amassing a large amount of debt.”
Twelve jobs have been saved at Gretna- based Hunter Wilson through the pre- packaged sale.
Clifford Jones Timber had a reputation as
one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of machine rounded timber, producing over 10,000 machine rounded posts a day. Directors reported in the firm’s most recent annual accounts for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, that 2023 was a huge step forward from the previous years’ poor performances.
Although sales were reduced, the gross margin increased by 6% as management increased sales prices and focused on profitable products and customers. “Overall, the profit before tax of £24,656 represented a very good result given the historical performance in a difficult business environment with many internal changes,” directors said.
The company had reported a pre-tax loss of £754,000 in 2022.
“The recent investments in the business have given us access to new markets and we are continuing to develop these markets for the future.
The board also has a policy of investing in the staff which has continued in 2023.” In the accounts, directors said additional costs were incurred setting up CJT Timber Sourcing Ltd and the transfer of the invoice discounting facility.
B&Q agrees to stock LUMIN TRP in 40 branches across UK
In partnership with UK panel products distributor Altripan UK Ltd, plywood manufacturer LUMIN has announced that its LUMIN TRP is now available in more than 40 B&Q stores throughout the UK. The TRP Tropical Replacement Panel (Plywood), is manufactured at LUMIN’s production facilities in Uruguay. Under development for over a decade, LUMIN TRP is designed to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional tropical hardwood species.
Above: LUMIN TRP at a B&Q branch
LUMIN said Altripan UK was one of its valued distribution partners and had been part of the research and development journey that brought TRP to market. Manufactured from 100% eucalyptus grandis grown on FSC-certified plantations in Uruguay, the tropical replacement panel has enabled B&Q to expand its sustainable plywood sources.
B&Q is holding stock of 18mm LUMIN TRP (BB/CC) in 2440mm x 1220mm panels. John Guerin, managing director – Europe – for Lumin Forest Products Ltd, told TTJ that the TRP product had hit a sweet spot in the market and B&Q’s stocking of the product in 40 of its 300+ outlets was a big accolade and milestone in its development. LUMIN announced plans to build a third plywood mill in February 2023, which would expand its group capacity to nearly 500,000m3
announcement, LUMIN said capacity at the existing two mills was 304,000m3
. At the time of its .
The US$140m development is expected to
make Uruguay the second largest plywood producer in South America. The third industrial plant in Uruguay, which is expected to create more than 300 jobs, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
TTJ Awards 2025 The TTJ Awards 2025 will take place on September 19, 2025 at the Hilton London Bankside. More details will be announced online soon at
https://awards-ttj.ttjonline.com and in the next issue.
TTJ | January/February 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
UK News
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