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Timber frame company SticX in £1m expansion of facilities in The Wirral
warehouses next to their existing facility. Both parties have been working since then to help achieve SticX’s growth plan, which includes expanding the current 48-strong workforce to 76 by 2031 and doubling the production capacity.
Above: SticX is expanding. Wirral Council leader Paula Basnett with the directors of SticX PHOTO: WIRRAL COUNCIL
Wirral-based timber frame manufacturer SticX Ltd is expanding its facilities after acquiring three industrial units previously owned by Wirral Council.
The Seacombe company had originally approached the council in late 2023 about acquiring vacant council owned
“The sale of these assets, which are surplus to the council’s requirements, have the two-fold benefit of helping an innovative local business expand and bring about new jobs and opportunities locally, while also providing some income to the council and removing an asset which no longer needs to be maintained at council taxpayer expense,” said Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett. SticX produces timber structures for residential developments, spanning social housing, student accommodation and self- build, with floor, wall, and roof systems in its offering. “These are exciting times for SticX.,” said John Maddock, director.
Tilhill Forestry acquires specialist harvesting business Duffy Skylining
been instrumental to various projects, including on the A82. “We are thrilled to further enhance our steep ground harvestings operations with the acquisition of Duffy Skylining,” said Graeme Kemp, harvesting director at Tilhill Forestry.
Above: Tilhill Forestry has acquired Duffy Skylining
Tilhill Forestry, the UK’s leading forestry business and a member of BSW Group, has announced the acquisition of the business and assets of specialist timber harvesting company Duffy Skylining Ltd. This strategic acquisition allows Tilhill Foresty to further expand its technical harvesting capabilities, following significant investment in its core fleet over the past couple of years.
Duffy Skylining specialises in harvesting on steep and challenging terrain, utilising advanced skylining techniques and operating with three highly skilled crews. Founded in 2018 and based in Inverness, Duffy Skylining predominantly works along the west coast of Scotland and has
“The specialist fleet will allow us to harvest in some of the UK’s most complex forests, and the expert knowledge of the team is second to none. We have a great working relationship already and are very excited to build on this as we look to lead the timber harvesting sector.” “This is a very positive move, both for our business and the wider industry,” said Calum Duffy, founder and owner of Duffy Skylining. “Our team are the very best at what they do, with safety top of the agenda, and joining forces with Tilhill makes for an incredibly compelling service offer.”
Duffy Skylining and its assets, including 12 employees and 12 machines – consisting of skylines, harvesters, forwarders and an excavator – will be integrated into the existing Tilhill Forestry business and brand. Calum Duffy will continue to manage and direct all operations in the specialist division.
“The Government’s commitment to building many more homes using structural timber has given us the confidence to spend over £1m in the expansion of our factory in Seacombe.” SticX’s capabilities means it is helping to deliver many new homes to be built in The Wirral area.
“For those that live in Wirral, the potential jobs and retention of money within the local economy are as important as the new homes themselves,” added Mr Maddock.
The Council’s Economic Growth Service, in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Freeport Team at the Combined Authority, has been supporting the company to understand eligibility for incentives provided through the UK Freeport programme, which can include stamp duty relief, employer’s national insurance relief on new jobs created and capital allowances where eligible.
Metsä unifies UK timber offering
Metsä Fibre and Metsä Wood UK have announced that the sales of all Metsä sawn timber products in England, Scotland and Wales will be handled by Metsä Wood UK. This switch is part of the company’s “One Metsä” commitment to serve customers faster and more efficiently, while maintaining the exact product specifications, quality, technical performance, and Nordic supply chain. Metsä Fibre will maintain its role in the comprehensive development of customer co-operation in the UK market. This continues to be managed by Jaakko Keronen, area sales director at Metsä Fibre. “By bringing sales and customer service closer to our UK customers, we can streamline communication, shorten lead times and improve the overall experience, while keeping the same product quality and sustainable Nordic supply chain,” said James Davenport, managing director at Metsä Wood UK.
“Customers will continue to receive the FSC (FSC-C002102) and PEFC (PEFC/02- 33-21) certified timber they trust, now backed by a dedicated in country team focused solely on the UK market,” added Ricardo Bartley, head of sawn timber sales UK.
www.ttjonline.com | September/October 2025 | TTJ
UK News
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